Factors hindering the adoption of virtual reality for construction workers’ skills training in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Low construction workers’ skills reduce construction labour productivity. Virtual reality (VR) has been touted as a pertinent intervention for upskilling. However, its utilisation has been affected by various factors. Hence, this research sought to determine the factors hindering virtual reality utilisation in training construction workers in Zimbabwe. A quantitative inquiry was undertaken through an online questionnaire survey of construction professionals in construction firms and lecturers from vocational training institutions. Factor analysis results revealed that organisational and training-related inadequacies, awareness and operational-related constraints, funding and management-related obstacles, and governmental policy and support-related inadequacies are affecting the utilisation of virtual reality in construction workers’ training. Recommendations include engraving technology adoption in organisational policies and increasing investment in VR training institutions. A limitation of the study was the need for qualitative inquiry; however, further studies can implement a mixed-methods approach to enhance the study's validity.